By Key takeaways
- Silentnight recommends a general vacuum and spot clean every 3 to 6 months, and a deep clean no more than twice a year.
- Silentnight says to leave bicarbonate of soda on a mattress for 15 to 30 minutes, or longer, before vacuuming.
- For urine, Silentnight uses equal parts white vinegar and water, then baking soda left for at least a few hours.
- Silentnight warns that harsh chemicals or heavy moisture may damage mattress fabric and stitching.
- The HSE advises washing bedclothes at 60 degrees every week to reduce dust mites for people with asthma.
- Dublin Cleaners cleans a mattress from €60 as part of its upholstery service.
Knowing how to clean a mattress properly keeps it fresher and helps it last longer. A mattress collects dust, sweat, skin flakes and the odd spill, and it cannot go in a washing machine. This guide covers a routine clean, stains, urine and the baking soda method, using the care advice from mattress maker Silentnight.
How often should you clean a mattress?
Silentnight recommends a general vacuum and spot clean every 3 to 6 months, and a deep clean no more than twice a year. Clean sooner if you see stains, notice a musty smell or wake up congested. A mattress protector cuts how often you need to.
The HSE lists house dust mites and mould spores among the common causes of allergic rhinitis. For people with asthma, it advises washing bedclothes at 60 degrees every week and using allergy-proof covers for duvets and pillows.
What do you need to clean a mattress?
You need a vacuum with an upholstery attachment, bicarbonate of soda, mild washing-up liquid or soap, white vinegar, a spray bottle, clean white cloths and kitchen paper. A soft brush helps on dried stains. Use white cloths so no dye transfers to the fabric.
| Problem | What to use | Time to leave it |
|---|---|---|
| Dust and skin flakes | Vacuum with upholstery tool | No wait |
| General stains | Mild soap in warm water, blotted on | A few minutes, then blot |
| Urine | 50:50 white vinegar and water, then bicarbonate of soda | Several hours for the soda |
| Odours | Bicarbonate of soda across the whole surface | 15-30 minutes or longer |
| Blood | Cold water and mild soap, never hot water | Blot until no more transfers |
Silentnight warns that harsh chemicals or heavy moisture may damage the fabric and stitching. Keep bleach and strong solvents away from the mattress.
How to clean a mattress, step by step
A routine mattress clean is strip, vacuum, spot clean, deodorise, vacuum again and dry. Start in the morning so the mattress has the whole day to dry before bedtime. Open a window and turn on the heating if the room is cold or damp.
- Strip all bedding, including the protector, and wash it.
- Vacuum the top, sides and seams with an upholstery attachment.
- Blot any fresh stains with kitchen paper. Do not rub.
- Spot clean stains with a cloth dipped in warm water and mild soap, then blot dry.
- Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda over the whole surface.
- Leave it for at least 15 to 30 minutes, longer for odours.
- Vacuum all the powder off.
- Let the mattress air dry fully before putting bedding back.
Rotate the mattress at the same time if the maker allows it. For stains that will not lift, our upholstery cleaning service in Dublin cleans mattresses from €60, using methods that keep moisture low.
How do you clean a mattress with baking soda?
Sprinkle a generous layer of bicarbonate of soda over the dry mattress, leave it for at least 15 to 30 minutes and vacuum it off thoroughly. Silentnight recommends this step because baking soda helps neutralise odours. For stronger smells, leave it for several hours.
Work it gently into the fabric with a soft brush for better contact. Do not mix it with water on the mattress, because a wet paste is hard to vacuum out of the quilting. Check the seams and edges afterwards, since powder collects there.
How do you get urine out of a mattress?
Blot fresh urine straight away, then treat the area with a 50:50 white vinegar and water spray, blot again and cover with bicarbonate of soda. Silentnight says to leave the soda for at least a few hours before vacuuming. The vinegar neutralises the smell and the soda draws out moisture.
Use a light mist, not a soak. Liquid that reaches the foam or springs dries slowly and can leave a musty smell. For a child’s bed, a waterproof protector under the sheet saves the mattress from repeat accidents.
Old, dried urine stains may need two or three rounds. If the smell keeps coming back, it is in the filling, and a professional extraction clean is the realistic fix.
How do you remove other mattress stains?
Most mattress stains lift with mild soap, warm water and patient blotting. Silentnight’s method is to dab the stain, apply a soapy cloth in moderation, scrub gently with a soft brush, rinse with a light spray of cold water and dab dry. Repeat rather than adding more liquid.
Use cold water on blood, because hot water sets it. Sweat marks respond to the same soap method, followed by bicarbonate of soda once dry. Test any shop-bought stain remover on a hidden edge first.
What mistakes damage a mattress?
The main mistakes are soaking it, using harsh chemicals and putting bedding back while it is damp. Too much water causes mould inside the filling, which no surface clean can reach. A damp mattress in a cold Dublin bedroom in winter can take many hours to dry.
- Pouring cleaning solution straight onto the mattress.
- Rubbing stains, which spreads them.
- Using bleach or strong solvents.
- Using hot water on blood.
- Making the bed before the mattress is fully dry.
- Skipping the protector.
When should you get a mattress professionally cleaned?
Book a professional clean when stains or smells keep coming back, after illness, or before a new tenant moves in. Extraction equipment draws moisture and residue out of the filling, which a home cloth and a spray bottle simply cannot reach.
Pair it with your sofa or carpets if they need it too. The sofa cleaning cost guide shows typical Dublin prices. For the mattress itself, our upholstery team can clean it in the same visit as the sofa.
Want a fixed price instead?
Call 01 230 8646. Give us the bedrooms, bathrooms and area, and we will give you a price on the phone.
Frequently asked questions
How long should baking soda sit on a mattress?
Silentnight suggests at least 15 to 30 minutes, or longer if needed. For odours, many people leave it for several hours or while they are out for the day. Keep the room dry and the window open, then vacuum it all off with an upholstery tool so no powder is left in the seams.
How do I get old urine stains out of a mattress?
Dampen the stain lightly with a 50:50 white vinegar and water spray, blot, then cover with bicarbonate of soda and leave it for several hours before vacuuming. Repeat on old stains. An enzyme cleaner made for urine helps where the smell remains. Avoid soaking, because liquid that reaches the filling is hard to dry.
Can I steam clean a mattress?
Silentnight counts steam as part of a deep clean, which it says is not needed more than twice a year. Steam adds moisture, so the mattress must dry completely afterwards. Check your mattress care label first, because some memory foam and hybrid makers advise against it.
How do I clean a memory foam mattress?
Vacuum it, then spot clean with very little water and mild soap, blotting rather than scrubbing. Memory foam absorbs liquid and dries slowly, so never pour anything onto it. Use bicarbonate of soda for odours. Remove the cover only if the label says it can be washed.
How often should a mattress be cleaned?
Silentnight recommends a vacuum and spot clean every 3 to 6 months, and a deeper clean no more than twice a year. Wash sheets weekly. The HSE suggests 60 degree washes for bedclothes where dust mites trigger asthma. A washable protector reduces how often the mattress itself needs attention.
How much does professional mattress cleaning cost in Dublin?
Dublin Cleaners cleans a mattress from €60. That covers vacuuming, stain treatment and a low-moisture clean so the mattress dries quickly. Most people book it with a sofa clean, which starts at €75 for a two-seater. Prices are final, with any VAT already included.
Sources
- Silentnight, How to clean a mattress (2026-10-23)
- HSE, Living with asthma (dust mites, mould and damp) (2026-11-14)
- HSE, Allergic rhinitis (2026-11-14)
About the author: Lana
Founder of dublincleaners.ie, Lana's company brings expertise in both residential and commercial cleaning services fostering a clean, healthy environment. Outside of work, you'll often find her hitting the gym or immersing herself in invigorating body balance classes.